Summary

In response to the prompt, I went for characters - all canon specific females, as specified - who are mentioned but rarely, if ever, seen, that I felt had a major impact on and/or were important his life. The first two - there are three in all (there’s no such thing as too much Aral) - are not even named in the Vorkosiverse.

This is the third and last of the series, the first being Ugly Duckling (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1405570), and the second - Where the Heart Is (http://archiveofourown.org/works/1415245)

"What he had learned today - or rather, had been delightfully reminded of what he had once known very long ago - was the enchanting wisdom of a child."

1.) Play in the mud whenever you get the chance.2.) Sometimes it’s good to eat dessert first.3.) You can never give too many hugs. Or get them.